UEFA Conference League semi-final analysis: Five key Chelsea players to watch when the Blues take on Djurgarden
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea travel to Sweden to play Djurgarden in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday, May 1.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal assesses five key players that could prove to be decisive for the Blues in this important semi-final clash.
Christopher Nkunku
Despite having an underwhelming season, many eyes will be fixed on Christopher Nkunku for this important fixture.
Nkunku currently has five goals in nine games in this year’s Conference League, as well as 14 goals in all competitions this season.
He has been a key fixture in Chelsea’s lineup in this competition but has failed to deliver on the high expectations that have been set for him since his arrival from RB Leipzig.
With his future hanging in the balance, and many people expecting him to leave the club, this is a big chance for him to step up and take Chelsea to the final of this competition.
Tyrique George
Chelsea’s new young talent has started to impress and gain headlines for his recent performances.
Tyrique George has gradually been integrated more into the Blues’ first team as the season has gone on and now seems to be a key part of Maresca’s plans for the rest of this season.
He’s made 10 appearances in the Conference League this season, with his first Chelsea goal coming in the quarter-finals against Legia Warsaw.
However, George has garnered a lot of attention after scoring his first Premier League goal in a recent victory against Fulham.
There is now an expectation for Tyrique George to play and deliver more. A good platform to start that will be this Conference League semi-final.
Filip Jӧrgensen
Both Chelsea’s first and second-choice keepers have been open to criticism at times this season.
Filip Jӧrgensen will most likely continue to play in this competition, being the second choice.
The Swedish-born 23-year-old has made nine appearances in this year’s Conference League, making 31 saves at a save percentage of 81.6%
Despite this, he has received quite a bit of criticism as well for some of his mistakes, such as the penalty he gave away in the quarter-finals against Legia Warsaw.
There was also a key error in the last minute at Villa Park to prevent Chelsea from getting any points in a Premier League clash.
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Reece James
Chelsea’s captain has missed a lot of football in the last three seasons due to injury.
But Reece James this season has shown glimpses of the talent and ability that made him one of Chelsea’s most valuable and important players.
The fullback has made fewer appearances than others due to Maresca managing his fitness but has managed to get goals in both the Premier League and the Conference League.
A standout moment for him this season was his comeback to the England national team, where he scored his first international goal with a beautiful free kick.
The captain will be hoping to be lifting a European trophy at the end of the season for his boyhood club.
But to do that, he must lead his side to victory in this semi-final clash.
Cole Palmer
And finally, we finish with Chelsea’s main man.
There has been a lot of talk about Cole Palmer recently amongst Chelsea fans about his recent form and his lack of impact.
There can be no denying what he has done since his arrival to the Blues.
However, he has only managed two goals and two assists since the turn of the new year and clearly looks as if he is lacking a lot of confidence at the moment.
Many Blues fans will be hoping that he can turn this form around soon, and a good time to do that definitely is in this semi-final against Djurgarden.
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